What an excellent evening it turned out to be when Tenby Male Choir performed a concert on behalf of Christian Aid at St. Mary's on Wednesday, May 14. The evening had not got off to a good start; the MD was ill, several choristers were absent because of sickness or holidays and the weather all day was appalling - more like winter than summer.

However, the weather cleared up in the evening and the visitors came out in droves. There were about 150 people in the audience when David Blackmore, compere for the evening, came to welcome everyone to the concert and to introduce Dr. John Harrison, musical director at St. Mary's, who was to conduct the choir in the absence of Christine Shewry.

With the very experienced Jill Williams at the piano assisting in giving 'cues' where she could and with David's amusing and light-hearted comments and introductions, Dr. John and the choristers gave a most enjoyable evening's entertainment. Singing some of their 'back numbers' as well as new pieces, the programme was varied and interesting and was very much enjoyed by the audience who came from a very wide area of the country and from abroad.

Indeed, one group of ladies were from Virginia in the USA. One of them, a Mrs. Vera Dickenson, had e-mailed Keith Nixon (previous secretary of the choir) to ask if she and some friends might come to a choir rehearsal on Tuesday, May 13, as they would be in Tenby on that date. Keith e-mailed back to invite them to the concert on 14th, which, he said, would be even better than a rehearsal. Of course, Mrs. Dickenson was delighted. David, in his remarks to the audience, asked if this lady and her friends were present, and they were. It's good to know the fame of Tenby Male Choir travels so far! The choir soloist for the evening was second tenor Paul Varallo, who sang one piece in English and one in Welsh.

The guest artist was Phoebe Osborne, who played piano. Studying at Greenhill School at present, and taking A-levels this year, it was good of Phoebe to give up revision time to play for such a good cause. In her first slot, Phoebe played the first movement of Mazart's sonata in B flat, and then Debussy's 'Girl with the flaxen hair.' In complete contrast, at her second appearance, Phoeve played 'Zwei Rhapsody number 2' by Brahms. A very powerful piece, Phoebe played with exuberance and deftness of touch. But with a brief nod to the audience, she hastily left the 'stage' as the applause was still ringing. Phoebe is planning to go travelling in Asia in a gap year after A-levels, and then to read music at Edinburgh. The choir wish her safe travels and every success in her chosen subject. In their final selection, Tenby Male Choir chose to sing 'Shenandoah,' which thrilled the American ladies, as they came from the area near the river, and the wonderful 'Nirvana' which is always so exciting to hear. In the final piece, 'Morte Christe,' they were joined by two visiting male singers, who clearly enjoyed the opportunity. As the concert drew to a close, David thanked Dr. John, Phoebe, Jill and the choristers for their wonderful music and the audience for being such an enthusiastic and appreciative audience. The Rev. Michael John then spoke briefly about the work of the choir in giving so much to local and national charities through their concerts. He talked of their creativity and their generosity of spirit in serving the community and the needs of others. He reminded everyone of the work of Christian Aid and of the Christian message of service to others and thanked the audience for supporting such a worthy cause. It was good to know that the evening raised approximately £750 for Christian Aid.

The concert ended with the singing of both National Anthems.

In their next concert, Tenby Male Choir will be singing at St. Johns on May 30 at 8 pm.